Technical "how-to" issues concerning using this site and language learning in general.

I have a new computer, this one is an HP touchsmart and i can't seem to figure out how to use the diacritical markings. Anyone out there that can help? For example, with my old computer I simply hit "ctr-alt" + 160 and I received "la a con acento". Pero con esta computadora hago igual y recibo nada. Ayudame por favor.